Navy HPSP and HCSP

[ahuntedyeti]

Does anyone have experience with the HCSP and HPSP programs? What is the competitiveness of these and what does the Navy look for when selecting students? When are students notified if they are selected? I recall reading somewhere that those who are bent on med school are advised not to take any scholarship money during their undergrad years in fear the Navy could tell them not to go into med school. Can anyone elaborate?

 

[terp1984]

If you have the grades and MCATS and get accepted to medical school, the navy will let you go. Obtaining the specialty you want may be more difficult thru the navy as they want you to work a few years after internship and before specialty and fellowship training. Search for the commitment time-I believe it is over 10 years if college and med school are paid for.

 

[Aglahad]

I wouldn't be worried about not taking money because if you do get into med school it's pretty likely they will accept you. The higher probability of disappointment occurs when you do take the money and do not get into med school. At that point you would be "needs of the Navy" status.

The point is, until you have a solid GPA and MCAT I wouldn't even worry about that far ahead. If you do plan on doing NROTC or something just realize the chances of getting into med school are rather low and that you should have no problem serving the Navy in another capacity.

What's your current status right now? HS? College? NROTC?

Also remember that the Army has a much larger medical department and thus a lot more slots, residencies and training opportunities.

EDIT: A couple weeks ago you asked a question about being a pilot in the various services. Just curious do you want to be a physician or pilot? Med school is hardly a secondary path with all the competition around the nation that is and isn't in ROTC.

 

[ahuntedyeti]

I wouldn't be worried about not taking money because if you do get into med school it's pretty likely they will accept you. The higher probability of disappointment occurs when you do take the money and do not get into med school. At that point you would be "needs of the Navy" status.

The point is, until you have a solid GPA and MCAT I wouldn't even worry about that far ahead. If you do plan on doing NROTC or something just realize the chances of getting into med school are rather low and you have no problem serving the Navy in another capacity then you will be fine.

What's your current status right now? HS? College? NROTC?

Also remember that the Army has a much larger medical department and thus a lot more slots, residencies and training opportunities.

EDIT: A couple weeks ago you asked a question about being a pilot in the various services. Just curious do you want to be a physician or pilot? Med school is hardly a secondary path with all the competition around the nation that is and isn't in ROTC.

I want to become a pilot still but after reading about this program I just wanted to gather a little more information. I intend to study biology no matter my future choices so I thought It could be something to research an become more educated on. And of course I intend on serving a long career in the Navy whether that's as a pilot, doctor, or not. I am a high school senior right now and after looking into the Army, I decided that if I did not get my desired career choice I may not be as happy as I could be if I were with the Navy.

Thanks for the info, I appreciate your help!